You’ve finally booked the trip. You’re shopping for holiday clothes as we speak. But is it too soon to start planning your airport outfits?
We don’t think so.
Let’s be real, your travel ‘fit sets the tone for the whole trip. Putting together the perfect comfy airport outfit not only makes your departure day feel a little more exciting, but it also makes navigating through check-in, security, and boarding feel like less of a faff. You want to be comfortable, but still look like you’ve got your life together.
Because yes, you can travel in style without sacrificing comfort. You just need the right pieces…
So What Should You Wear on a Plane?
Whether it’s Paris or Portland, the priority for your travel outfit has to be comfort. Long or short haul, it all starts with the materials - comfortable on the skin, unrestrictive, and breathable (we do not want to be sweating at the airport).
Loose-fit sweatpants, cozy cottons, lightweight linen, oversized hoodies and comfy leggings are the hallmark of airport fashion. Runways are the place for well-thought out athleisure looks; a new tracksuit, a cute-matching set, it’s the place where style meets comfort, and there’s no denying that airport outfits can be both cute and chic.
Amongst these travel outfit essentials, you should also have a few layers handy in your carry-on bag, because planes can be notorious for unpredictable temperatures (IYKYK). Trust us when we say that the aircon can be unforgiving, but it can also get very stuffy, so bring removable layers, fluffy socks, and a BIG hoodie to throw on.
Whether you’re catching a short-flight next week, or planning for on a backpacking trip of a life time, don’t worry about what to wear, we’ve rounded up our top picks for travel outfits below so you can shop without stress, and move on to the more important… itinerary plans!
Comfy Airport Outfit Essentials
What makes the perfect travel fit? It’s got to be comfortable enough to nap in, stylish enough to wear straight off the plane, and practical enough to survive security control. Think of it as your travel day uniform, but make it chic.
Whether you're curating your matching waffle loungewear set or planning a Pinterest-worthy look with linen trousers and a slick bun, we've rounded up the comfy essentials every airport outfit needs. From soft layers to wide-leg sweatpants, these are the travel staples you’ll see all over TikTok (and probably on your next flight too). Let's get into the fits.
Matching Sets
Whether you’re boarding a red-eye or just heading home for a quick holiday weekend, matching sweat sets are the holy grail of airport fashion. Sweatpants require zero thought, feel like pyjamas, and somehow still look put-together. Keep things neutral for a sleek, minimal look, or opt for a pop of color for a playful touch. Pair a slouchy crewneck or oversized hoodie with baggy sweatpants in the same color for a casually co-ordinated look you feel stylish yet comfy in. Add a crossbody bag (sleek or technical) to keep your ID and boarding pass close and you’re ready to go.
Oversized T-Shirts
Baggy tees are the real MVP’s of comfy airport outfits. They can be styled with ease over joggers, straight-leg sweatpants, jersey shorts, leggings or biker shorts. You can tie them in a knot, crop them or tuck it into your waistband to change up the silhouette. Bonus points if it has a graphic or tonal logo for a little pop.
Styling tip: Layering your outfits can be easy, especially when it comes to basics; like styling an oversized t-shirt over a tank top or a lightweight long sleeve so you can peel off or pile on depending on the plane temp.
Wide Leg Pants
Elevated. Breezy. Versatile. Stretchy wide-leg pants are perfect for travelling in, especially or flared pants ones made from natural linen or jersey. Their roomy silhouette leaves plenty of wiggle room for the legs, keeping airflow and comfort high, and sweat low. They offer a more flowy alternative to sweatpants and a luxe upgrade from casual loungewear, making them perfect for business-casual flying, or warm-weather flights where joggers might feel too heavy.
Styling tip: Paired with a crisp white tee or ribbed tank, lightweight button-down and chunky pair of sunglasses for a chic travel outfit.
Lightweight Layers
You’ll never regret packing a layer. From zip-up hoodies to lightweight shackets, to packable soft-sport jackets for your holiday hikes, it’s key you bring something you can throw on when the aircon hits. Something that rolls up easy in your carry-on or drapes over your shoulders works a treat for a stylish departure lounge look. Not to mention if you’re luggage is small, or you’re going somewhere warm, you don’t want to be lugging around a thick hoodie with you the entire trip. Stick to neutral tones and versatile pieces you can rewear throughout your trip with ease.
Comfy Leggings
Leggings have become a staple for travelling, especially buttery-soft fabrics with a high non-compressive waistbands that won’t dig in while you’re sitting for hours. Light-weight leggings give an airless feel while you’re up in the air, while the high stretch fabrics let you bend, cross your legs and change up your position in your seat. For styling, pair with an oversized sweatshirt for that off-duty model look (hey Kendall Jenner). The best part about flying in leggings? You can then wear them to work out in if holiday workouts are your thing too.
What are the comfiest leggings to travel in?: The Whitney Leggings, thanks to their soft stretch, comfort around the waist and flattering fit, they’re a fan favorite for flying.
Outfit Ideas For Long-Flights, Cold-Weather & Warm Destinations
Whatever your final destination, your travel outfit should work for the journey too, especially if it’s a long one. Whether you're flying in winter or escaping to tropical temps, here's how to build your airport outfit based on the trip type.
Summer Airport Outfit
When you’re heading somewhere warm, staying cool and feeling comfortable is the goal but don’t underdress, remember… airports and airplanes can be freezing.
Go for breathable layers: A ribbed tank, oversized tee, and breezy button-down shirt is a solid combo.
Avoid heavy or synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
Wear easy to slip on sneakers, slides with socks or birks clogs so you can stay comfy and cool, but still cozy on the plane.
Stash a hoodie or light jacket in your bag, just in case.
Long-haul Flight Outfit
It’s common knowledge that planes get pretty cold, so if its a 10-16 hour flight, picking the right clothes to keep you comfortable the whole journey is essential. Your travel outfit should be built around cozy layers so you can get comfy and snooze those hours away as your third film of choice lullabies you to sleep. Switch up the layers as your body temperature fluctuates throughout the duration of your flight, by wearing a baselayer tank, t-shirt or long sleeve and having a cozy hoodie at hand. With the right long-haul flight outfit, you’ll still walk through arrivals feeling fresh.
Women’s pick:
Pair some wide leg joggers (without fleece interior to prevent overheating) with its matching hoodie for a cloud-like fit, and layer over a breathable tank or baggy graphic tee. A ribbed tank is the perfect layering staple for airport fashion shows.
Men’s pick:
Keep it classic and comfy with a grey tracksuit layered over a crisp white tee. Finish with a baseball cap (perfect for pulling over your eyes for snoozing) and slides for that homey-feeling.
Top tip: Bring compression socks if flying long-haul to help with circulation and make sure you get up regularly to walk about and get the blood flowing.
Cold-Weather Travel Outfit
When flying in the winter or to a cooler climate, lot’s of people ask “what should I wear on a cold flight?”. The answer? Lots of layers (and a super warm coat for when you land). For cold-weather travel outfits we recommend choosing 2-3 layers as follows:
Start with fitted base layers like thick leggings or long sleeves to trap heat.
Add cozy joggers, sweatshirts, or fleece-lined outerwear.
Finish with a lightweight but warm coat. Think puffer jacket or trench.
Don’t forget some cozy socks.
Must-Have Travel Accessories
Don’t sleep on the extras, they’ll level up your flying experience x 100.
Fluffy socks (you’ll thank us when your shoes come off)
Travel-sized toiletries (don’t skip the skincare routine)
Neck pillow and eye mask for peaceful plane snoozing
Tote bag or backpack that fits all your essentials
Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
Rest Day Slides for easy security checks and comfy feet
FAQs
How do I look chic while traveling?
Whether you’re trying to get a business class upgrade, you’re traveling for work, or you just enjoy a more ‘put together’ effortless aesthetic, it’s more than possible to dress chic and comfortable while traveling.
For your airport outfits, stick to minimal silhouettes, neutral colors, and quality fabrics for a chic and elevated style. Try wearing jeans, or a pair of wide linen trousers instead of joggers if you're on a short flight - they’ll look effortless paired with a basic tank or crisp tee. Trench coats, blazers, and leather jackets also elevate an airport outfit by adding a smart touch to the 'fit. On your feet, try swapping a pair of sneakers for loafers or ballet flats to finish off your stylish airport outfit.
What do you wear when flying from a cold to warm destination?
Our top tip: dress for the climate you're flying to... to an extent. No one wants to carry a winter coat and snow boots away to a tropical location, but shivering in your boots waiting for the taxi to the airport is a definite no-no.
Ditch the bulky layers, and dress as warm as possible but with thin insulating layers like a packable down jacket and warm sweatpants that won’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
That's not to say wear shorts if you're traveling to sunny conditions in the mid-winter, but you could swap the sweatpants for linen pants, or the knitwear for a thin sweatshirt for a more weather-appropriate travel outfit. Thankfully, with many airlines, you can turn the air-con down in your individual seats, and blankets may also be provided if you're flying long haul. Feel free to pack an extra layer or two in your hand luggage too!
Can I wear leggings for traveling?
You know we’re team leggings, always, so it’s a huge yes from us. To get the right leggings for traveling, look for that soft second-skin feel, seamless or high-stretch designs that won’t dig in… like our Whitney Leggings. Pair with oversized tees or boxy hoodies for FYP-worthy airport athleisurewear.
What shoes should I wear on a plane?
The comfiest shoes for travelling are lightweight, breathable options that you’ve already worn and can guarantee their comfort. Opt for slip-on sneakers, slides, clogs or your favorite chunky dad trainers. Avoid boots, or heels unless it’s absolutely necessary. Comfort is key!
Travel hack: Wear your heaviest shoes or pairs that take up the most space while boarding the flight; this save saves space and weight in your luggage… and if you know you’re going to take your shoes off on a long haul flight, pop your sliders in your hand luggage.
Can you wear jeans on a plane?
For the longest time, wearing jeans on a plane has been a bit of a taboo, since many pairs can be tight fitting, have stiff waistbands can dig into the stomach, and feel uncomfortable with the lack of flexibility around the legs, especially over long periods of time. But for those space-saving travellers, wearing bulky jeans on the flight can free up a lot of room for other items! If you have a comfy pair of jeans (like a wide leg pair) that you’re going to wear for your trip, feel free to wear them to travel in, it’s completely down to your preference.
What should I not wear on a plane?
Well we’ve skipped the dated no-jeans rule, so what is a complete no-go for flying? We’d recommend avoiding anything too tight, restrictive or made from non-breathable materials. Anything that’s tricky to sit in for a long-time, or manoeuvre out of in the tiny-airplane toilets e.g jumpsuits or dungarees. Steer clear of clothing with a lot of metal (hello airport security delays) and keep your outfit practical, save the fashion faux-pas for when you land.
Comfort is key for every journey, so if you’ve read our travel fit guide and planned your stylish and comfy airport outfit, you can channel all your energy into planning your vacation itinerary, fitting in those crucial final gym sessions, and ticking off the last of your travel to-do list.
Looking for a carry on bag? We have you covered in our guide to the best bags for the gym, travel, and everything in between.
Shop matching sets and comfy clothes for traveling when you download The Gymshark App below!
